Wintrow fears that his father will allow him to be sold away, but Kyle eventually purchases Wintrow, although he starts the bidding at an insultingly low sum. Wintrow is tattooed with the Satrap's mark and sent to auction, where his father and Torg are buying the last of their cargo. On the third day, Torg sees Wintrow in the cell, but ignores his cries to be freed. Wintrow is imprisoned and informed that if no one comes to collect him within three days he will be auctioned off. Wintrow eases her pain and she dies peacefully, but the slaves' owner is enraged at her passing and claims that Wintrow is responsible for his loss of property. He passes through the slave markets and observes a dying woman, who begs for his assistance as a priest. When the Vivacia docks in Jamaillia City, Wintrow dons his robes again and escapes, despite the ship's pleading for him to stay. He discovers that life outside of the monastery is far different than he expected. Wintrow struggles with integrating his religious habits and beliefs with the day-to-day life and culture aboard a ship. Wintrow finds it difficult to find acceptance within the crew, and he is mistreated by his father and the first mate Torg. However, Kyle forces Wintrow to sail with him to fill the role of the blood relative that must remain aboard a liveship. Kyle attempts to force Wintrow to complete Vivacia's quickening, but Wintrow refuses, insisting that it is not his right. There, Wintrow's father Kyle Haven is granted ownership of the Vivacia. Wintrow, who is living at a monastery where he is monitored by Berandol, is disappointed when informed that he must return to his family's home in Bingtown to witness the death of his grandfather. He is thoughtful and reflective to the point of alienating himself from others. Wintrow is very reserved, preferring the quiet of the monastery to ordinary life in Bingtown. In Ship of Destiny, a healing meant to undo the effects of serpent venom also expunges the tattoos from his face.

He also injures his right index finger in an accident on the ship, and has it removed. In Ship of Magic, he is forcibly tattooed on his face with both the Satrap's mark and a portrait of the Vivacia's figurehead.

He is said to strongly resemble his aunt Althea. He has dark eyes and hair and his father's fair Chalcedean complexion. Wintrow is thirteen at the outset of the series, but appears much younger, being short and thin for his age.

Robin hobb ship